Origin and history
The coconut, an iconic tropical fruit, comes from the coconut palm ( Cocos nucifera ), a majestic palm tree cultivated for millennia on the coasts of South Asia and the Pacific Islands. Its name comes from the Portuguese word coco , meaning “face,” referring to the three small “eyes” visible on its shell. Considered a “tree of life,” every part of the coconut palm was used by local populations: the fruit for food, the fibers for weaving, and the leaves for building. Today, the coconut is recognized worldwide for its nutritional richness and its benefits for skin, hair, and overall well-being.